Chapter 23

As toriko's flying knife attack left a mark on Grinpatch. Grinpatch immediately sucked the steam that was coming out of his body as the deep mark retracted back but still leaving a bruise on him.

" I'd expect nothing less from you" Grinpatch said " but it's really something that you've become able to attack from a distance however you couldn't even break the rock apart with only that level of attack and that girl's ability making a shield that's able to reflect my breath gun. But my guess is still that the girl can't do long range attacks. You'd better not be thinking that you've conquered your Achilles heel of attack range Toriko! If I can't get to you il get the girl!"

' Damn! He's not down yet! I can't let Toriko-kun get hurt because of me what else can I do?' Aiko though

" let me show you the difference between your little air gun and my missile" Grinpatch said as he started to draw a considerable amount of air.

" yeahs you're right" Toriko said " at this stage I still can't give you real damage, I'm well aware of that!"

" take this! My breath Bazookas long range cannon!" Grinpatch said " BREATH MISSILE!" As he unleashed a giant green blast aiming at Toriko and Aiko

" now!"Toriko said

As the green blast hit the giant rocks at where they were as soon as Grinpatch's attack wore off there was nothing as Grinpatch smirked but as he turn he noticed Toriko and Aiko behind him unharmed.

" KNIFE!"Toriko said

" REIKI SLASH!" Aiko said as Grinpatch moved as they hit the straw at first bending it but as they put more of they're power in it the straw and the ground split in half as they took a step back as the area was covered in smoke as it started to slowly clear up.

" looks like we managed to break that straw" Toriko said as Aiko nod

As Grinpatch let go of the straw that was on his lips. " how'd you two got behind me?" He ask

" the temperature of the ground is 1,200 degrees!" Grinpatch exclaimed

" that flying knife I used wasnt aimed at you" Toriko said

" that was for the magma rat, you know the magma rats pelt can withstands extremely high temperature " Aiko said

" the reason why we provoked you after that so you'd use a stronger attack and sure enough you let out a breath that narrowed your field of vision " Toriko said " in that moment going across the magma pelts, we made it here even though my knife and fork evolved "

" we couldn't do damage unless we were up close , now that we're here it's going to be serious" Aiko said

" you two really are something!"Grinpatch said " you two have gotten really damn interesting!" As Grinpatch aura started to glow green as Toriko and Aiko took a step back as they let out they're auras. At that moment they heard something beeping as Grinpatch reached in his pocket taking out what looked like some kind of phone.

" Hm? on"Grinpatch said as he talked in the phone " what the hell? I was getting to the good part and the head chef calls. That's it for today Toriko And you too girl."

" huh?" They said as they're back to normal.

' what is up with this guy?' She though

"I've gotta get back to headquarters right away" Grinpatch said " Ooh, good looks like my pet is finally getting back "

" what?"Toriko said as he turn around

" what the?"Aiko said as she turn as they looked up at a giant beetle.

Jack elephant beetle ( insect beast) Estimated capture level 85

As they looked at the giant beetle as they recognized the giant BBcorn it was the same one that looked like from the stalk they saw earlier.

' that's one big beetle...that's it next time I'm carrying a giant bottle of bug spray' Aiko though

" I had fun today Toriko and you too girl" Grinpatch said as he cackled " it was a good way of killing some time, Next time we meet we'll play all we want, okay?!" As he used the broken straw as he blew as he flew up to land on the beetle.

" hey wait Dammit!" Toriko shouted

" Get back here you giant mosquito!" Aiko shouted

"gimme back the BBcorn you ate!"Toriko shouted as he raised his fist

" Well, you two broke apart my straw, now we're even!" Grinpatch said

" Even?!"Toriko shouted " at least tell me your name!"

" my name is Grinpatch" he said " Bishokukai's sous chef " as he cackled as the giant beetle moved at a fast rate as it left the winds blew fast as Toriko and Aiko shielded themselves from the smoke of dirt. As he left they noticed that Terry quickly came back at their side as she had a sad look on her face.

" Terry, good job escaping " Toriko said

" That was good Terry " Aiko said " that was plenty of help for us"

"But starting now we've gotta get much,much stronger " Toriko said as he petted Terry

" yeah, Grinpatch wasn't fighting seriously at all" Aiko said as she slowly knelt down to Terry as she petted Terry.

" that's the power of the Bishokukai's sous chef" Toriko said

Meanwhile

As the giant beetle carried the BBcorn Grinpatch was drooling as as he licked his lips.

" I want to suck them up so bad!"Grinpatch said " Toriko, that girlfriend of his and that dog! " as he lifted his hands in the air. " I guess I've gotta wait till they grow a little more! " as he cackled manically as the whole field of peaceful flowers withered in his path.

Meanwhile outside hotel gourmet

" Um,momentarily the gourmet summit dinner party will be beginning " the reporter said "However the head chef of the hotel managing the summit, hotel gourmet has yet made an appearance "

Inside the hotel gourmet

" in 5 more minutes the Bubbly tuna will reach its peak" Uumen said

In the kitchen

" So if it goes on even one more second past the peak, it'll become inedible Huh?"

" Chef Komatsu please hurry and get back!"

As Uumen went inside the kitchen

" if president Dohem cannot be satiated with Cooking, the gourmet bill won't be passed" Uumen said " for the sake of world peace we must avoid that from happening! You!" He pointed at the cook " send out the Bubbly tuna with the sauce chef Komatsu made"

" But this sauce is incomplete..."

"It's better than sending out nothing!"Uumen said

Outside of gourmet hotel

"There are fears that if the summit should fail serous international problem arises" the reporter said as the crowd started hearing a helicopter going at full speed as the crowd ran off as the helicopter hit the ground a bit more forceful as the door open to reveal sani.

" for me that was a beaut'ful and wild landing" sani said as he chuckled a bit

" would you please properly land it on the roof ?" Komatsu said as he was regaining composure

" and do it more quietly?" Tina said

" I told you we were over capacity and the controls weren't working!" Sani said angrily " and yet somehow I managed to get us here on time ain't that enough?!"

" Tina?" The reporter said as the crowd started to come and walk " it seems that the gourmet hotel head chef is here, could I have a comment?" As the crowd started to surround them.

" chef what kind of seasoning are you planning to add to it?!"

As Johannes and his men in suits were blocking the crowd

" Komatsu-kun! Hurry and go!" Johannes said

" R-Right!"Komatsu said as he started to run

" wait!" Tina said as she followed suit.

Inside the restaurant

As the waiter was pushing the serving cart to the table as the waiter placed the tray uncovering the lid to reveal the Bubbly tuna.

" This is Bubbly tuna?" Dohem said looking at the dish

"In another 3 minutes the the Bubbly tuna will reach its peak of flavor " Uumen said to Dohem " now then please add the sauce"

"Y-yes sir"

As Komatsu and Tina were climbing up the stairs that seemed an endless staircase to them as they climb as fast as their legs could go. Until Komatsu stumbled and fell face forward.

" Komatsu-kun!" Tina said

" I've got to..." He got up " finish cooking the Bubbly tuna!" As he ran up the stairs

" there's no time!" Tina exclaimed as she followed Komatsu.

At the dining table as they drizzled the sauce in the Bubbly tuna.

"It's coming! The Bubbly tuna peak!"Uumen said as he checked his watch.

As Dohem was about to take a bite until the doors opened.

" P-please wait!" Komatsu shouted

" chef Komatsu!" The two said

as the guest stopped and looked at the person that shouted.

" that sauce...wait..." Komatsu said as he tries to regain his breath after having climb up the stairs. " one taste...just one more touch...let me prepare it!"

" W-what?" Dohem said as he put his fork down

As Komatsu quickly reached in his backpack adding in the wulstar sauce fruit in to the gourmet the tuna brightly glowed as it turn to bubbles shocking everyone.

" if the time runs out on the Bubbly tuna,it turn to bubbles and disappears just like the legend of the little mermaid, who couldn't convey her feelings to the one she loved and turn into sea foam" sani said as he walked in " that is the reason why it bears the names mermaituna and Bubbly tuna"

" it can't be..." Komatsu said sadly

As Dohem got up from his seat

" My long awaited Bubbly tuna...you got me excited for nothing!"Dohem said " Forget this silly summit, I'm returning to my country!"

" president, please wait just a moment!"Uumen exclaimed " just a little "

" I'm leaving!"Dohem said

As Komatsu dropped to his knees

" I can't believe it..." Komatsu muttered

" Komatsu-kun..." Tina said

" that effort won't go down the drain" a voice said

" Coco-San?" Komatsu said

" there's this, as well." Coco said as he moved his beige cape to reveal something shining.

" that's B-Bubbly tuna!"Komatsu exclaimed

"What?" They all said

"The truth is..."Coco

Flashback

As coco was on a big sail boat with the two men from his shop.

" whew,thanks to you pointing us in the direction of the mermaituna, manage to capture three of them"

" we'll definitely make a killing from this!"

As kiss landed in the boat.

"Kiss. You came to get me?"Coco said as kiss cawed " All right, I'll be taking my leave as you promised as compensation for the fortune telling I'll be taking one Bubbly tuna."

End of flash back

" And so I hurried here with the Bubbly tuna " Coco said

" you really are incredible!"Tina said

" A-Another damn beaut'ful appearance!" Sani muttered " I'm so pissed off!" As his hair began to extend as he was upset. ' well at least Aki...isn't here to see this she'll think Coco is amazing ...I will not lose Aki's affections!' He though

" you may have gone through a lot to get it here,but that bubbly tuna is not worth eating" Dohem said " Bubbly tuna matures starting from when it's caught and reaches its peak taste after seven days, after just being caught the flavor will be weak"

"No! If I make a sauce using a wulstar sauce fruit, it should make up the difference in taste!" Komatsu said as he went to the plate that had once held bubbly tuna now it only had the sauce as he tasted it. " huh? It's still missing one flavor. I see there wasn't enought salt content..."

" I-I'll go get the salt!"

" ordinary salt won't be enought for the impact of this flavor" Komatsu explained to him

" then how?"Tina said " isn't the wulstar sauce fruit the fruit that makes the ultimate sauce?"

" it's possible that the fruit was picked too early" Coco said " I've heard that the wulstar sauce fruit adsorbs the minerals in the soil and converts it to salt content, most likely you picked the fruit before it had a chance to absorb enough minerals "

" No way..." Komatsu said

" uh if you need salt, we've got some" a voice said

"I'm sure that this'll help you" A female voice said

" Toriko-San! Ai-chan!"Komatsu said surprised as the crowd looked at the duo.

" huh? When'd you get here?" Sani said " and why're ya here? I'm happy to see you Aki " as he stared at her as she smiled as they walk to Komatsu. As Toriko took out a bag handing it to Komatsu.

" here you go Komatsu volcanic ash salt from Wul volcano!" Aiko said

" I brought some with me in case I wanted to add some to the BBcorn" Toriko said

" I knew I could count on you, Toriko-San! And you too Ai-chan" Komatsu said as he smiled as Aiko smiled brightly.

" E-E-Even Toriko made a beaut'ful appearance?!"Sani said " I'm super pissed off!" ' but I can't be pissed off by Aki...she always makes a beaut'ful appearance in my eyes...' He though looking at her.

As Toriko,Aiko and Komatsu were in the kitchen

" the layers of soil in wu jungle are made by Wul volcano's volcanic ash" Toriko said

" so that means that the compatibility of the wulstar sauce fruit and the volcanic ash salt should be" Aiko added

" just right!" Komatsu said holding the gourmet spicer as he added it in the tuna as it shined " ah it's maturing!"

As Komatsu set the plate to Dohem

" enjoy" Komatsu said as everyone around him looked at the plate as it shined brightly

" Ooh. This is " Dohem said as he took a bite of the tuna as his eyes widen as he took another bite.a few moments later the plate was clean. As Dohem had tears in his eyes as he got up to offer a handshake to Komatsu. " A magnificent sauce to go with exquisite Bubbly tuna, wonderful job chef" as Komatsu shook hands with Dohem.

"Thank you very much" Komatsu said

" but how did the Bubbly tuna mature?" Tina ask

" Oh,yeah! The growth rate of the plants in Wul jungle was incred'bly fast!" Sani said " the aloe of that aloe frill neck lizard, they say it causes the skin to renew, it does w'nders for ones beauty "

" the plants in that jungle" Aiko said " I think that the wulstar sauce fruit has the effect of accelerating their growth rate"

"It has the power to make raw ingredients ripen more deliciously " Toriko said

" it brings out the flavor of raw ingredients " Coco said " Truly the Zenith of sauces, wouldn't you agree? "

"And with the salt added to it, it has stopped at just the right maturity " Sani said " truly a magnif'cent seasoning "

" yep!" Aiko said " I'm so glad that it turned out so great you guys!" As she smiled brightly making the three Bishokuya fight off the urge to blush red as you could only tell a slight color on their cheeks.

" president, about the voting for the bill..." Uumen said

" if it's for an IGO with a chef that produces such delicious cooking, I believe in you" Dohem said

" alright!" The business men and women said

" you did it Komatsu!" Toriko said

" great job!" Aiko said as she patted his back

" thank you so much Toriko-San, Ai-chan" Komatsu said

" Ah, oh yeah" Toriko said as he remembered something " Hey, bring it all out!" He said

" it's the BBcorn" Aiko said " we brought some back as we promised "

" this is the BBcorn?!" Komatsu said

" your wulstar sauce if we put it on this BBcorn, I'll bet it'll make it even more delicious!"Toriko said

' oh, Toriko-kun all you ever think about is food...you blue haired glutton!' Aiko though as she giggled

" to celebrate, let's all have some BBcorn popcorn!" Toriko said

As everyone cheered as they took they're seats as Toriko stuffed his faced with the popcorn.

" Yum! This delicious sauce makes the taste of the corn even more savory!"Toriko said " my hands just keep reaching for it. Once I speed up, I can't stop!"

" I can't lose to you youngsters!" Dohem said as he ate the popcorn

" Toriko-kun slow down! " Aiko said as she put her hand on his cheek " you've got sauce all over your face" as she gently wiped away the sauce as she smiled " now you can eat to your hearts content" as he slightly blushed

" oh I just remembered something...Toriko-kun what were you gonna say back at the Wul volcano?" Aiko ask

" Oh, I uh, that is, I..." Toriko started as he blushed ' I can't say it now! there's too many people around! I though I could say it but I can't this isn't the right moment! Back at the volcano was the perfect moment if only Grinpatch didn't interrupted us!' He though as Aiko tilted her head curiously at him as he looked at her. " I just wanted to say that I'm happy that I met you Aiko "

As she smiled brightly " I'm happy I met you too Toriko-kun" she said as she got up to hug him " thanks for letting me go with you!" As she let go to go where Coco, Komatsu and Sani where at. Leaving a mad blushing Toriko at the table. As she looked around.

" Coco-San...I was saved thanks to the fortune you told me" Komatsu said " thank you so much!"

" I didn't do anything, Komatsu-kun, it was your will to never give up" Coco said as he smiled

As Sani was drinking a glass of wine

" this time I couldn't make a beaut'ful appearance at all!"Sani said " I'm so upset, I'm just gonna eat" as he took a bite of the popcorn " Yum!"

" huh? It's not moving?" Tina said looking at her camera " it broke because of Sani's reckless landing! I couldn't catch the scoop I worked so hard for! The department chiefs gonna have a mountain sized serving of anger!"

" you really did it, chef Komatsu " Uumen said " thanks to your dish, the bill passed! Now the world have been saved, Well then everyone! With a unanimous vote, the bill has been approved for the Et. Rice hand formed sushi! The shoyu will not go on the rice but on the topping!"

" no objections!" The crowed said

" is that something you need a bill to pass" Komatsu said as Aiko facepalmed .

" the world was saved by something like that?" Tina said

" I guess I don't know how the world works like that." she said as she looked around the smiling faces of the crowd as she smiled. As she sat down in between Coco and Sani.

" Aiko-chan I'm glad that you made it back safely " Coco said as he slightly smiled at her

" I'm just glad we made it to help Komatsu" Aiko said " it's really is nice to see you again Coco-San and sani-san I missed you guys"

' she missed me?! Aiko-chan' Coco though as he felt his cheeks go warm. As Aiko smiled at him.

' She missed me?! Oh Aki!'sani though

"A-Aiko-Chan?!" Coco whispered as Aiko ate the BBcorn happily. As Coco and Sani saw how cutely Aiko ate.

" Coco-San, Sani-san I'm glad I met you guys" Aiko said as she smiled brightly

" I'm glad I met you too Aiko-chan." Coco said as he gently put his hand on top of hers as her cheeks slightly turn pink by his action. as Sani couldn't help but feel jealous as he had an idea.

" I'm really glad I met you Aki" Sani said as he took her hand and kissed her palm as she blush even more as Coco slightly grimaced at this.

' it was a tough few days but it was worth it getting the Ingredients and sharing them with friends and people that are close to you...if only you were still alive mom so you could see this...' Aiko though

" Hey Aiko! Maybe next time we'll search for an ingredient you might like!" Toriko said

" No fair Toriko! Aki can't just go with you all the time!"Sani exclaimed " you need to learn to share!"

" I don't wanna share!" Toriko muttered

" um...guys I'm not a toy" Aiko said as the other two were bickering about who should aiko go with in the next capture. as Aiko sigh as Coco taking a sip of his drink

' it seems That Aiko-chan's compatibility with each of us is a fifty-fifty chance I have to be serious now if I want Aiko-chan to be with me' Coco though

there you have it guys! I'm thinking of making a few chapters before I go to the century soup. Please leave a review. Remember there's still time to vote! Also those that don't have an account can just leave a review on which person you want aiko to end up with! See you guys soon!